Orvis Battenkill Reel Review in 2024 – Fly Reels

You won't go wrong with the Orvis Battenkill. An iconic click and pawl fly reel that’s stood the test of time. Read on to find out the answers in our detailed review of the Orvis Battenkill!
Orvis Battenkill Reel Review

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In this Orvis Battenkill reel review, we will look at the drag, weight, and cost of this iconic fly reel to see if it is worth the money. It is a well-priced, ultralight, large arbor fly reel with a fantastic design and a lifetime warranty.

The Battenkill is based on the original fly design that’s been popular for decades. So we couldn’t wait to get our hands on it and review it for you, to see if it’s worth the money.

Curious to find out if you should buy yourself an Orvis Battenkill fly reel? How does it compare against the slicker disc drag fly reels on the market today? Read on to find out the answers in our detailed review of the Orvis Battenkill.

Orvis Battenkill Specs:

Available Size: 1 – 3 Overall Weight: 2.8 – 3.2oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: Bar Stock Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 2.75 – 3.25in Colors: Black
Spool Capacity: 100 – 150yds Warranty: Orvis Lifetime Warranty
Drag Type: Click-Pawl Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

82%
Durability
80%
Drag System Quality
70%
Weight and Balance
90%
Line Capacity
80%
Ease of Maintenance
80%
Aesthetic and Design
90%
Price to Value Ratio
80%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

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Orvis Battenkill Reel Review

The Battenkill by Orvis is a four-position click-and-pawl fly reel with internal adjustments. If you’re looking for a classic yet technically advanced drag system, that’s exactly what this Orvis reel provides. What’s more, this reel won’t break the bank. It costs between $98-119, making it perfect for beginner fly fishers or anyone on a tight budget.

This fly reel comes in 5 different models from I through to V, which are suitable for any fishing setup from 1wt up to 11-weight rods. So, you can find the perfect reel for anything from ultralight fishing on small streams to spey fishing for trophy-size fish!

The Battenkill I is best for ultralight tackle, while the Battenkill II is superb for fly fishing on smaller rivers and streams, making it a great choice for those wily wild trout. The next model up, the Battenkill III, has more backbone and can handle larger trout, bass, and other freshwater fish. But if you’re into Spey fishing or thrive on catching trophy-size fish, the Battenkill IV or V might be the best bet for you!

The Battenkill also boasts a sealed drag, making it very durable and hardwearing. You won’t need to worry about sand, grit, or water getting inside the mechanism and causing it to seize up or rust.

Now, let’s get into the features and benefits (and any downsides) of the Battenkill in the next section of our fly reel review!

orvis battenkill

Construction

In this section of our review, we’ll take a close look at the build and construction of this Orvis reel. So how does it fare?

The Battenkill is made from heavy-duty 6061-T6 bar-stock aluminum, which is exceptionally durable. The machining looks neat with careful attention to detail, for an excellent finished product. It’s also anodized for extra durability and protection from rust, while the drilled porting ensures a lightweight.

This model has a standard arbor (sorry, large arbor fans) and a narrower spool. The benefit of the narrow spool is that you get reduced line stacking for a better experience out on the water. And while the Battenkill holds a fair amount of backing, it’s not got the largest capacity compared to many other reels on the market today. But what does stand out are the super-fast retrieval rates, thanks to the increased spool diameter.

The laser-engraved logos are also a nice feature, complementing the black nickel color for a cool retro look. This reel is very sturdy, but the black anodized finish does show scratches. It’s not a huge concern, but it’s worth mentioning in case the aesthetics are a priority for you!

Overall, this Orvis reel feels sturdy and robust and should last for years of fishing trips, making it exceptional value for money.

Drag System

Taking a close look at the system is a crucial part of any reel review. As explained above, the drag on the Battenkill is a click-and-pawl system. Setting and adjusting the drag is simple, but you do have to remove the spool to change it – there’s no external adjustment option. While this makes for a clean design, it can be a bit fiddly at times.

The Battenkill has a four-position click pawl drag, but none of the settings are hugely powerful. But when you’re trout fishing, it’s not all about power. Simplicity is a benefit that’s often overlooked, and that’s precisely what this timeless reel offers.

With this kind of system, you can stop a fish by holding your hand against the spool. Doing this will slow down the turning spool, increasing the resistance against the fish. So, this allows you the ultimate control and customization of the drag according to the situation.

Another bonus of the classic click-pawl drag is that it won’t let you down. As it’s so simple, it shouldn’t break, stop working, or give up on you. When you buy a Battenkill fly reel, you’ve got a reliable reel for years (if not decades).

orvis battenkill weight

Weight

Click-pawl reels are also among the lightest models on the market right now due to their pared-back design. And that’s true for this reel, too! It’s ultra-lightweight – the Battenkill II comes in at an incredible 2.9 ounces – incredible. That makes it excellent for balancing out shorter rods and the ultralight rods that have become so popular in fly fishing circles in recent years.

Ergonomics

This reel makes it easy to switch quickly from left-hand to right-hand retrieve, whether you’ve got the Battenkill II, Battenkill IV, or a different model. The Delrin handle is very ergonomic and comfortable to grip – a great feature!

There’s also a handy spool-release latch for maintenance, and adjusting the drag itself is very simple. You can select the drag you require with just a click, although you do need to remove the spool first to do this.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Excellent construction
  • Easy to operate
  • Sturdy and durable

Cons

  • Not the nicest sound
  • Line memory can be a problem
  • The backing capacity isn’t huge

orvis battenkill pros cons

FAQ

Do you have some burning questions about the Orvis Battenkill? Or maybe you’re not sure what a click pawl reel is, exactly? Not to worry, we aim to answer them in this section of our review. Read on for answers to all your questions on the Battenkill for fly fishing!

What is a Battenkill?

A Battenkill is a classic click-and-pawl drag reel from the well-known brand, Orvis. Battenkill fly reels offer four different settings of drag and are an excellent choice of fly fishing reel for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

Where are Battenkill reels made?

The original Battenkill fly reels were originally manufactured in England. Now, the Battenkill fly reels are made in China, which allows Orvis to sell them at such a low price. But that doesn’t mean that they are of lower quality. As with all Orvis products, they are manufactured to the highest standards for an excellent result.

What is a click pawl fly reel?

If you look at the history of the fly reel, you’ll discover that click pawl reels predate the disc drag system that you’ll find on most reels these days. They are a simple yet pretty effective mechanism, where a pawl or clicker ticks against a gear on the spool.

A click pawl fly reel will never be as powerful or adjustable as the mighty disc drag system, but it can meet the needs of freshwater anglers. They tend to be very lightweight, dependable, and hard-wearing. Plus, they often come in at a more affordable price.

orvis battenkill The Wrap Up

The Wrap Up

If you’re looking for a high-quality yet affordable click pawl reel, you won’t go wrong with the Orvis Battenkill. Despite the bargain price, this reel is built to last with exquisite craftsmanship. It’s super light and will pair up perfectly with ultralight tackle, but it’s also suitable for all sorts of fishing. The classic design, retro aesthetics, and improved performance make this reel a winner for us!

The Battenkill II is a fantastic reel for trout fishing on the fly. It’s lightweight and easy to use, with excellent ergonomics that guarantee your comfort, no matter how long you’re fishing. But if you like a challenge and prefer to Spey fish for trophy-worthy fish, the Battenkill IV will serve you well. No matter what kind of fly fishing you prefer, Orvis has the right Battenkill for you!

Like the sound of the Battenkill? Grab one of these dependable fly reels for your next fishing trip! With a range of models to choose from, there’s something across all the line weights.

At Fly Fisher Pro, we aim to review the best products so you can get more out of your time on the river! Head over to check out reviews on the top fly rods, best fly reels, and more. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter on all the latest news and tips for avid fly fishers!

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5 thoughts on “Orvis Battenkill Reel Review in 2024 – Fly Reels”

    1. Hey David. Yes, absolutely you will easily get 90ft. We have more than double that on a lot of our reels. 20lb backing is surprisingly thin.

  1. I’ve used a Battenkill 1 for fishing small mountain trout streams in New Mexico and I have used the Battenkill II with 50 yards of backing on the Rio Grande, San Juan, the Chama for larger trout. Both work really well and in all my trout fishing, I don’t need the built in drag because the larges Browns and Rainbows I catch and release are in 20 to 25 inch range. Both the I and II are sturdy reels which I use on Wooly Buggers, Dry Flies and larger streamers or an occasional pike, I use the reels on three and four weight trout rods. These reels serve my purpose well

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